For those who drive the 10 past downtown all the time and don't remember the BENDIX sign, you won't be able to miss it now. Yesterday marked the relighting of the 5-6 story tall sign. If you want a closer look, it's in the fashion district at 12th and Maple. Look for the gigantic, red "B".

Ok, I admit, after Bekins/Sunset Palms/Arby's/Oviatt's/Oldsmobile etc., it was when I read here that "Kaiser Brothers" was being lost that I honestly said f-it, to hell with that town, and pledged never to journey west of the Mississippi again (it's bad enough I never go north of the Mason-Dixon).

But I haven't been by Norm's yet...and the Bendix, wow...and correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Helms an animated incan. spectacular? Now I HAVE to come back...see you kids at the June meeting...

Eric, is MONA taking the Kaiser sign? Can they take the whole thing, or just the two heads?

MONA is interested in the Kaiser Bros sign and its related, vertical Oldsmobile sign. However, they have yet to lift a finger to get them. They have the phone number, but haven't made a motion to get save the signs.

BTW, I checked on the Kaiser Bros neon arch and its figural heads cannot be removed form the arch without a blowtorch. Meaning, if MONA wants the heads, they'll have to take the arch with it.

Apparently, when the LUMENS folks are done with the KRKD towers and the Palace blades (not enough money to do the marquee, it seems) to match the Los Angeles marquee and the Bendix tower, there's going to be a celebratory block party...

Speaking of Oldsmobile, has anyone given any thought to the rocket at Albertson Oldsmobile in Culver City? I don't think they want to get rid of it, since they've had it this whole time, but since Oldsmobile will slowly dissapear, the rocket might too. But if you go right now, they have a collection of old Oldsmobiles in their showroom. They definately go hand and hand with the old rocket!

I've had conversations with the Albertson family about the rocket. They are very nice people and historically aware. Bruce Sr's office is full of historic photos- the family started out selling Packards and switched to Oldsmobiles after World War II. They plan on keeping the rocket intact and where-is.